LSMU tarptautinių medicinos studentų stresas ir gyvensenos pasirinkimai.

Aim of the study: The aim of the study is to investigate the nature of stress and its link to lifestyle choices among international students at Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU). Objectives: To assess stress levels among international students. To asses the indicators of lifestyle among international students: smoking, diet, exercise, caffeine intake, sleep habits, drug use and over the counter medications. To evaluate the association between stress and life style. Subjects and Methodology: Study subjects were international university students at LSMU university. Research was carried out using the Perceived Stress Scale and FANTASTIC lifestyle questionnaire which were administered randomally at the university library ensuring confidentiality and anonymity of the participants. Results: The results of the research showed there was a moderate and significant correlation between stress levels and lifestyle choices among international students. There is a difference in stress and lifestyle between genders but it is not statistically different. Younger students tend to suffer higher stress levels. Good sleep hygiene and exercise was correlated with lower levels of stress. A Substantial amount of students don’t smoke or consume alcohol, but those who do smoke are heavy smokers. Majority of students don’t use drugs or consume over the counter drugs. Also negative mood was associated with higher levels of stress. Conclusion: Students who had lower levels of stress slept better and exercised more. Students who had higher levels of stress had worse mood and tend to smoke more. Prevalence of stress and lifestyle does not significantly differ among the different genders but higher levels of stress are found among younger students and females. Recommendations: These findings should be considered in instigating preventive programs to promote health awareness among international students and activities to provide support to aid students cope with levels of stress throughout their academic years